Question about Nosebreathe device

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ehusen
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Joined: Fri Jul 01, 2005 12:36 pm

Question about Nosebreathe device

Post by ehusen » Fri Sep 02, 2005 10:58 am

Hey guys,

Well in my eternal quest for a good night's sleep and fighting the dragon of mouth breathing I've ordered the "device" from Dr. Sue. But I did not get any email notification or anything back from him? My credit card has already been charged so I'm curious what's going on. I'm not too worried about it but I was hoping I would at least get an email response or something back, especially after charging my card. Is this typical? Just wondering if I need to follow up on it or not.

In other news, I tried the DYI appliance. I failed the first time. I will try to make another one soon. But since it is a hardware problem and not software, I'm not very qualified.


ehusen
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Post by ehusen » Fri Sep 02, 2005 11:11 am

Okay, never mind. My wife just called and said my impression device has shown up. Guess I was just a little impatient. Man they shipped it like super fast.

Sleepless on LI
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Post by Sleepless on LI » Fri Sep 02, 2005 12:10 pm

ehusen,
My credit card was charged very quickly, too. Then within a week, I got the kit for the impression. Within a few days, I got an email from Dr. Sue telling me how good it turned out and giving me some insight into what my oral condition was (very interesting, too). Within about four or five days from that email, I got the device.

I have to tell you, though, he is an absolute doll. Whenever you write him an email, even after you receive the device, he personally answers your questions. Now, it's signed by him and there's no way of knowing if it is truly he who answers the emails, but the information is that of an educated professional, so I would presume it at least is coming from his mouth to pass along.

He gave me some great advice last night and it worked. Now, he doesn't know I control my own settings with my auto, but suggested that I speak with my doctor about perhaps lowering the pressure just a bit to help solve an over production of saliva that is keeping me up, which worked like a charm last night. Not only did it help that, but my leak rate dropped from 34-36 to 20. I guess under higher pressures, I'm having a bit of a leak problem with my Swift now. But the saliva problem vanished last night and I had a great sleep.

The NB device works. I have not mouth breathed since I got it and it's worth every penny IMHO. I am very happy I took the chance and went for it. Better than taping that keeps you from being able to talk until moring, if need be. Also, to be able to keep the lines of communication open with Dr. Sue and get replies to your concerns after he has furnished the device to you, well, let's just say not every company out there dealing with things like this does that (ahem...). I won't go there.

Let us know how you like your device after you get it and take it for a test drive...or sleep. Good luck. Hope it arrives soon.

L o R i
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dsm
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Post by dsm » Fri Sep 02, 2005 4:22 pm

Lori,

I haven't got mine yet but know it will arrive Monday (based on other comments).

Am looking forward to seeing if it will help me as I really want to get back to my Activa & now have a breeze & soon a swift to experiment with.

Also, with my f/f mask (which works well for me now & at 15cms) in the morning my face looks like a human prune - all wrinkles from where the skin has moulded to the mask. NOT a pretty sight !.

The trouble with the f/f mask vs the Activa or others, is that I have to wear it so tight to get a good seal.

Anyway, I am encouraged by both your use of the NB and your reports of Dr Sue's aftercare.

Cheers

DSM

xPAP and Quattro std mask (plus a pad-a-cheek anti-leak strap)

Sleepless on LI
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Post by Sleepless on LI » Fri Sep 02, 2005 4:35 pm

DSM,

Nothing negative to say about Dr. Sue or his device, which is a pretty rare commodity these days. I wish you luck when you get it AND the Swift or the Breeze. Sounds to me like a better combo that using the ff mask. Keeping my fingers crossed for you. Maybe you will get it tomorrow? If it is coming to you via regular mail, they could deliver on a Saturday, no?

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dsm
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Post by dsm » Fri Sep 02, 2005 6:02 pm

Sleepless on LI wrote:DSM,

Maybe you will get it tomorrow? If it is coming to you via regular mail, they could deliver on a Saturday, no?


Saturday mail in Australia - no way - Govt employed postal workers here succeeded in doing away with that maybe 20 years ago

Now that post & telecom have become fully deregulated and are on the way to being privatised there is some hope we can get that kind of service back

(I'm not holding my breath waiting though )

DSM
xPAP and Quattro std mask (plus a pad-a-cheek anti-leak strap)

Sleepless on LI
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Post by Sleepless on LI » Fri Sep 02, 2005 6:49 pm

DSM,

Wow, no mail on Saturdays...what a concept (LOL). I remember "back in the old days" (never thought I'd say that when I was younger) when stores closed on Sundays. There was nothing but a drug store or a restaurant open. I liked that. It made Sundays a real special day and at least one day out of the whole week with less traffic. It was supposed to be a day for rest and religion. Whatever happened to that concept???
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neversleeps
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Post by neversleeps » Fri Sep 02, 2005 8:22 pm

I think we'd have to move to Utah where I hear that concept is alive and well.....

Sleepless on LI
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Post by Sleepless on LI » Fri Sep 02, 2005 8:30 pm

I think we'd have to move to Utah where I hear that concept is alive and well.....
Sounds good to me. That's close to Las Vegas, Nevada, no??? Then you won't have to worry if you don't sleep because there's always somewhere to go and something to do.
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Kermit
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Post by Kermit » Sat Sep 03, 2005 9:56 am

Hi Sleepless,

First time I read ANY post in over a week. I come home to sleep then leave again early in the morning to work. Will be off next week, first time in almost a year.

Glad you are benefiting from Dr Sue's device. I did not need to receive any after purchase care since it worked flawlesly right out of the box but am glad he was able to help you.

I agree with your Sunday concept. Our modern society is not what it used to be. Yes the gadgets and gizmos are wonderful but the greed and subsequent effects on our lifestyles don't make up for it. I lost my job to India and to keep what was offered I need to work the way I am right now. All this in a company that was totally different up until three years ago.

So we either export our professional and manufacturing jobs overseas to countries that pay very little OR we allow cheap labor to come in and finish off whatever American jobs are left for those that chose not to go to college and want to work in the trades. You can't send a house or driveway overseas to be worked on, so our government looks the other way and allows the cheap labor to come in and take those jobs from our fellow citizens who can't support their families on peanut pay. The illegals manage because taxpayers subsidize them and the don't mind craming 20 into a one bedroom apartment. Now they can get mortgages and buy a house.

Wouldn't be surprised if mail delivery starts up on Sundays.

Makes you wonder.

Kermit

Sleepless on LI
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Post by Sleepless on LI » Sat Sep 03, 2005 10:49 am

Wouldn't be surprised if mail delivery starts up on Sundays
.

You know, that's the one thing I wouldn't mind, getting mail seven days a week...well, maybe not as it would mean seeing bills come EVERY DAY of the week then .

Sorry you are working so hard. Hope it eases up for you soon so you can take a little breather and enjoy life a bit, too. Doesn't it stink to have to constantly worry about making ends meet? And now with the gas prices as high as they've gotten, we're working to be able to drive our vehicles. I shudder to think where this will lead us or if it will ever get any better. I think I already know the answer to the latter.
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dsm
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Mr Dr Sue special arrived today

Post by dsm » Thu Sep 08, 2005 8:05 pm

11 days since being posted am guessing customs might have slowed it down. My RemStar from CPAP.COM came in quicker time.

1st opinions ...

1) Material will get chewed up in less than a year (I have asked Dr Sue how long they last). Compared to my existing teeth guard (which is hard plastic like material) this is very soft.

2) Need to trim the tongue platform but *no way* would I use a dremel on this, the material is too soft & pliable. This requires snips & careful cutting, perhaps even a scalpel.

3) Also compared to my existing guard, this one does cause excessive saliva production but I guess that does reduce as we get used to it.

4) Dr Sue's note that comes with it, suggests using it all the time when possible (except surfing as it could get lost when in the water)

Anyway, more as I try it out.


Cheers

DSM

xPAP and Quattro std mask (plus a pad-a-cheek anti-leak strap)

Sleepless on LI
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Post by Sleepless on LI » Thu Sep 08, 2005 8:24 pm

DSM:

I have not found that the extra saliva production has slowed down and it's been over two weeks for me now. I am not thrilled as I was in the beginning. I am thinking of going back to taping if things don't get better. The last few nights, I used nothing at all, just to try to get back to sleeping without worrying about leaking in a new way, from the NB device. Now instead of just worrying at night about leaks from the mask, I worry about leaks of saliva from the NB device. And you are right about the material. I have found it doesn't stay as tight as it did in the beginning already. It seems to have lost it perfect mold to my teeth. I will still use it, but it is one of the reasons, I believe, I don't sleep as well. Yes, it does absolutely stop the mouth breathing, but there are other considerations here, too.

Nothing ever seems to work right for me with this therapy. I don't know why I am the exception, but I am just one of the "lucky" ones who expects some things to work for me sometimes when they usually don't. Sound a little down, I know. I have been very tired this past week and nothing is the way is should be as far as therapy has been going. Guess I'm in one of those slumps.

I always have a positive outlook on everything and I am holding on for dear life right now not to lose it. I ordered the Aura so we'll see what happens when that arrives. Maybe if that works, I won't worry about moving the tube on the Swift at night. That is another thing that I keep waking up on account of.

Please let me know what you think about the NB device after you've had it for a week or so. I'd be interested in your take on it. Sorry to cry on your shoulder. I can't believe that I must be that tired to do this... . I owe you one.

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dsm
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More questions for Kermit

Post by dsm » Thu Sep 08, 2005 9:48 pm

As a result of getting my hands on the NB I have several questions I want to ask Kermit (who gave us such a good reviews of it to start with )

Kermit am interested in your thoughts on the following ...

1) Is your NB made from very soft pliable material ?

2) How well has it stood up to use ...
- is it still a nice tight fit ?
- has it expanded at all ?
- has it developed bite holes ?
- does it deteriorate much in 3 months of regular use ?

3) How do you cope with the saliva generation ?

Thanks

DSM
xPAP and Quattro std mask (plus a pad-a-cheek anti-leak strap)

Kermit
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Post by Kermit » Thu Sep 08, 2005 10:35 pm

Hi,

Yes I use my NB every night and am satisfied with it. I don't understand why Sleepless's gets loose. This morning taking it off was just as difficult as the first week and I think I am now on month two. To get if off I need to insert my fingernails at the upper edge and pull straight down near the front and equally as much near the back so that it comes down straight. It is by no means loose.

Haven't use it three months yet but I don't see why it would not last six or more, I'll report on that when the time comes. My device is pliable somewhat soft I suppose and no bite marks I know I make when stressed but have not damaged it, yet.

Saliva, a little now and then but not to the point where it leaks out, wet lips yes but no dribble. If your tongue is parked I can see why you can't swallow naturally while you sleep. Not an issue for me.

I would say that it is holding up very well as it fits as well as when new. One thing I might be doing differently is just rinsing it under the faucet and turning over to dry in it's box, opened to facilitate drying. Could brushing it too often and maybe using soaps that affect the silicon be affecting it? I thought of brushing mine with toothpaste now and then but did only once as rinsing seems to keep it in good shape. Just a thought.

Sorry you guys are having trouble with yours, it sounds like it is losing it's elasticity.

I have a new one I ordered as a backup and aside from a foggier color the old and new seem to be the same size and shape, meaning the old has not stretched.

The rounded V cut on the shelf fits me fine and I never considered cutting it. Yes being a soft pliable material I would use a very sharp hobby knife instead of a Dremer that will heat and melt the material.

Good luck and I hope you resolve these problems, I am just as happy using mine now as I was the first week.

Kermit